Welcome to the Clinical Research Department of Blue Ocean Clinical Research at Palm Beach Eye Center.

Our Research Department currently conducts clinical trials for the treatment of many eye diseases.

The purpose of conducting these important medical trials is to help in the development of new and potentially beneficial treatments for the treatment of eye diseases that affect the vision of our patients. Our physicians and staff have been conducting clinical trials for over 10 years. We have participated in clinical trials that have contributed to the approval of many medications that we now use to treat patients in our clinic.

What to Expect:

We first need to be sure you qualify to participate in one of our trials. You will be contacted by our clinical research department to set up a time for a screening visit. At the screening visit we will review the details for the potential trial and conduct the necessary testing to be sure you qualify. Please plan to here for 3-5 hours on the day of the screening.

You should be contacted by our research department within 2 business days. If you do not here from us, please call us at (352) 587-7793.

What Type of Testing will be conducted?

A thorough review of the potential research trial for which the doctor feels you may qualify for, which includes a review of a consent form to fully inform you of the details of the trail as well as the expected length for the study and visits required. This portion of the visit is the most important. We take as much time as we need with you to carefully answer all your questions or concerns.

Vision Testing (Many research trails require some special vision testing different from what you have done at your eye doctor).

• Laboratory Testing: You may need to have blood and urine samples taken. Each research trail has different Lab requirements: we will review this with you on the day of your screening visit. You may still eat your regular meals and take your medications as you normally do. Should any labs require you to fast, we will ask you to return for those lab assessments.
• Pupil Dilation: We will need to put drops in your eyes to dilate your pupils. Although you may have recently had an eye exam in our office, with pupil dilation, we are still required to perform another exam as part of the research study qualification process. If you have trouble driving with your pupils dilated, you may want to arrange for a driver. (Some trials may help to provide transportation, please contact us if there is a transportation problem.
• Extensive Review of your Medical History: Please bring a list of all medications you are currently taking, including any vitamins or herbal supplements. We also need to know all your medical conditions, any previous surgeries, and a list of all allergies, if any. (Many patients bring all of their medications with them, if this is easier, you may do this as well).
• Images: We may also take pictures of the back part of your eye. This may also involve injecting a dye called Fluorescein in the vein in your arm and then taking pictures as the dye goes through the veins and arteries in the back of the eye.
• Questionnaires: Some studies also have questionnaires about how your vision is affecting your lifestyle. We will review these with you, and these can take 20 minutes or more to complete.
• Other Special Testing: Sone Clinical Research Trials require measurements of Height, Weight, Blood Pressure, Pulse Rate, Temperature, as well as an EKG (a test that looks at your heart rhythm.

Some screening test results take a few days to come back (such as labs). We may not know that day if you met criteria to participate in the study. A return appointment will be made for you pending these results. At the next appointment you may receive the study treatment. The research staff would inform you if you qualified prior to that appointment. In addition, if any lab or testing results require further follow up, we will let you know and may contact t your primary care physician.

Participation in research is optional and is not required to receive treatment. You have been referred to the research department because your doctor feels you may benefit. However, this can not be guaranteed. Not all patients respond to or benefit from research treatments. A discussion of the potential risks and benefits will be discussed an should be considered prior to participation.

We hope to make your experience here at Blue Ocean Clinical Research a fulfilling one!